A helmet for a teenage snowboarder should fit snugly, sit level just above the eyebrows, and work properly with their goggles — and it should be checked before the first run of the trip. Teenage snowboarders fall more often than skiers, especially when they are learning tricks or riding in the park, so a helmet that stays in place matters a great deal. Check the size against your teen’s head measurement, make sure the goggles sit flush with the helmet, and confirm that the helmet meets a recognised snow sports standard.
Snowboarding brings its own demands. Riders fall backwards as well as forwards, they ride in deep powder and in the park, and they wear their helmets for long days in changing weather. A helmet that works for a teenage skier may not suit a teenage snowboarder, because the fit, the vents and the goggle setup all work slightly differently. This guide explains what to check when choosing a helmet for a teenage snowboarder.
How Do You Check the Fit of a Teenage Snowboard Helmet?
Start with a head measurement. Wrap a soft tape measure around the widest part of your teen’s head, about a finger’s width above the eyebrows and ears, and note the number in centimetres. In general terms, many teenagers measure around 55 to 59 centimetres, which usually puts them in a small or medium adult snow helmet, but the measurement is what counts, not the age on the box.
Put the helmet on and check that it sits level, with the front edge just above the eyebrows. Ask your teen to shake their head from side to side and nod up and down. The helmet should move with the head and stay in place. Snowboarders fall backwards often, so check that the shell covers the back of the head well and does not ride up when your teen looks down.
Check the fit with the kit your teen actually wears. A thin balaclava or beanie underneath will change the fit, so try the helmet on with it. Check that the ear pads sit comfortably without squeezing, and that the helmet does not press on the forehead after a few minutes. A helmet that presses will give your teen a headache by lunchtime, and a teen with a headache will soon take it off.
How Should a Snowboard Helmet Work with Goggles?
The helmet and goggles should fit together with no gap. Put the goggles on with the helmet and look for skin showing between the top of the goggles and the front of the helmet. In cold weather, that gap lets cold air onto the forehead and can cause real discomfort on a long day.
Check that the goggle strap sits neatly in the clip or channel at the back of the helmet. Most snow helmets have a small clip or a groove that holds the strap in place. If the strap slips, the goggles will move around while riding. Also check that the goggles sit flat against the face without pressing too hard on the nose or cheeks.
If you are buying new goggles as well as a helmet, try them together in the shop. Different brands shape their helmets and goggles differently, and a pair from the same brand often fits together best. But mixed brands can work well too, as long as you try them on together and check for a gap before you buy.
What Safety Features Should Parents Look for?
First, check the standard. Look for a label inside the helmet showing that it meets a recognised snow sports helmet standard. This tells you the helmet has been tested for the kinds of impacts a snowboarder might have. A helmet without a clear standard label is not worth buying, however good it looks.
Next, look at the shell and liner. A hard outer shell protects against knocks, while the foam liner inside absorbs impact. Snowboarders often land on their backs, so check that the shell covers the back of the head well. Some helmets have extra coverage at the back, which is worth having for a teenager who rides in the park or tries new tricks.
Also check the chin strap. It should fasten securely and sit flat under the chin, tight enough that you can fit one finger between the strap and the chin. If the strap is loose, the helmet can come off in a fall. Some helmets have a magnetic buckle that is easier to fasten with gloves on, which teenagers tend to like.
How Important Are Vents and Warmth for Snowboarders?
Vents matter because snowboarders work hard and can overheat quickly, especially when hiking the park or riding in spring. Look for a helmet with adjustable vents that can be opened on warm days and closed when it is cold or snowing. A helmet with vents that can be worked with gloves on is much more useful on the mountain.
Warmth matters too. Ear pads should be thick enough to keep the ears warm but not so thick that they press. Some helmets have removable ear pads, which is useful in spring when it is warmer. If your teen wears a balaclava, check that the helmet still fits comfortably with it on, and that the vents are not blocked.
Weight is also worth thinking about. A lighter helmet is easier on the neck, especially on a full day of riding. Hold a few helmets in your hand and compare them. In general terms, a lighter helmet is more comfortable, but do not choose the lightest one if it means giving up coverage or a proper fit.
What Should Parents Do Before a Snowboard Trip?
Check the helmet before you travel, not on the first morning of the trip. Try it on, check the fit, check the goggles, and look for any cracks or damage from last season. If your teen has grown, measure their head again and compare it with the size range on the helmet. A helmet that was snug last year may be too tight now.
Replace a helmet after any hard impact, even if you cannot see damage, because the liner inside can be damaged in ways that are not visible. If you are curious about the technology inside modern snow helmets, reading about what MIPS is for helmets can help you understand one of the features some helmets offer. It is not essential for every rider, but it is worth knowing about.
Finally, set a simple rule: the helmet goes on before the first run and stays on all day, including on easy runs and in the park. Most falls happen when riders relax or try something new, so the helmet matters just as much there as on the steep runs. If the whole family wears helmets, the rule is easier to keep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What size snowboard helmet does a teenager need?
A: Measure around the widest part of the head, about a finger’s width above the eyebrows. In general terms, many teenagers measure around 55 to 59 centimetres, which is usually a small or medium adult snow helmet.
Q: Do snowboarders need a different helmet from skiers?
A: In general terms, most ski and snowboard helmets meet the same snow sports standards and can be used for either sport. The key is a good fit, good goggle compatibility and solid coverage at the back of the head.
Q: When should I replace my teenager’s snowboard helmet?
A: Replace it after any hard impact, even if you cannot see damage, and when your teen outgrows it. Check the fit at the start of each season, because teenagers can grow out of a helmet in a single year.
Olivia
Writer at Helmet Today, covering helmet reviews, fit and riding safety.
